Plan to automate SQL Server backup with Agent scheduling, checksum verification, tested failure notifications, and retention that preserves recovery.
SQL Server emergency? Email pinal@sqlauthority.com with URGENT in the subject line.
SQL SERVER – Instance Definition Working with Oracle and SQL Server
An Oracle DBA moving to SQL Server asked me how instances differ between the two products. Here is what I told him, and when to use which approach.
SQL SERVER – Unable to start SQL Server Agent – Failed to Initialize SQL Agent log
My friend changed SQL Agent parameters and then the service would not start: failed to initialize SQL Agent log. Here is where to look and how we fixed it.
Interview Question of the Week #060 – What is the Difference Between EXCEPT Keyword and NOT IN?
Even 11 years after SQL Server 2005, few people I interview know the EXCEPT keyword. Here is how EXCEPT differs from NOT IN, with simple examples.
Resolving State: Why an AlwaysOn Availability Group Gets Stuck
Resolving state is the intermediate state of an AlwaysOn availability group during a role change. If the transition fails, the group stays there and the database is not accessible. Here is what the ERRORLOG showed in one case.
SQL SERVER – 2016 – Check Value as JSON With ISJSON()
Before you store JSON sent from the front end, make sure it is valid. Here is how the ISJSON() function in SQL Server 2016 checks a value as JSON.
SQL SERVER – Boosting User Experience with Analysis Services Perspectives – Notes from the Field #116
Analysis Services Perspectives let a designer show users only the parts of a data model they need. Notes from the Field #116 explains how they help users.
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